About Us
Tally Ho! Productions is a Cape Town-based production company. At Tally Ho! Productions we believe in collaboration and inclusion, we believe in bringing together talented individuals to create art that will last and speak to our unique South African audience.
We work to present a diverse portfolio of work that draws from the kaleidoscope of South African cultural streams, without compromising on the individual artistic integrity of each show. By having a varied portfolio we aim to build a new audience that shares and celebrates our values of inclusion and appreciation of all South Africans.
We believe in narrative and storytelling. The purpose of theatre lies in its power to shift perspectives, grow empathy and inspire us all to live to a higher more compassionate standard. To this end, we ensure that our productions are a holistic experience of the highest quality.
We tell our stories from the moment the audience member arrives in the theatre foyer to when they leave the auditorium, whether it is musical theatre, intimate drama, music concert, or a celebration of song and dance.
Jaco Griessel
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Originally from Bloemfontein in the Free State, Jaco moved to Cape Town in 2014 to pursue a career as musician and theatre maker. He holds a Masters degree in composition and arranging, as well as a Diploma in Theatre Making, both obtained at the University of the Free State.
Since 2008 Jaco has worked on numerous productions, as music director, pianist, guitarist, production designer and/or producer. He has been privileged enough to work with some of South Africa’s finest directors and has been employed by major production companies in various capacities.
In addition to his freelance work, Jaco has been involved in developing the next generation of theatre performers. He taught at the Waterfront Theatre College from 2014 to 2017 and is currently teaching part-time at the Luitingh-Alexander Musical Theatre Academy.
Upcoming
Production
“A masterpiece of modern musical theatre.”
Winner of a Drama Desk Award and named one of TIME Magazine’s 10 best shows of 2001, Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years has captivated audiences with a score of mesmerising brilliance and an ingenious libretto. It has been successfully revived Off-Broadway, first in 2002 and again in 2013. An acclaimed film adaption starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan in 2014 and numerous international productions, established the musical’s place as a masterpiece of modern musical theatre.
“All I could do was love you . . . and let you go.”
A funny and bittersweet musical, The Last Five Years is an intimate window into the relationship between Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress, and Jamie Wellerstein, a budding novelist on the brink of success. This well-known story of two people meeting at the wrong time in their lives is told in a fresh and new manner. Cathy tells her story backwards from the dissolution of their relationship to first meeting, whilst Jamie tells his story chronologically; they meet only once, in the middle, at their wedding.
“Featuring incredible local talent.”
This local production of The Last Five Years will be on in the intimate 172-seater Golden Arrow Studio at the Baxter Theatre Centre from 19 March 2020 – 4 April 2020, the perfect venue for this honest and heartfelt musical. At the helm of the creative team is award-winning director Paul Griffiths with musical direction by Jaco Griessel. Featured in the coveted role of Jamie is Fleur Du Cape nominee David Ralph Viviers in his musical debut. Making her professional debut as Cathy is Fleur Du Cape nominee Zoë McLaughlin. To fully realise Jason Robert Brown’s vision, the cast will be accompanied on stage by an ensemble of six musicians.
- Jason Robert Brown
- Paul Griffiths
- Jaco Griessel
- David Ralph Viviers & Zoë McLaughlin
- 90min
